In translating these hymns the original form has been retained, with the
exception, that single rhymes are generally substituted for the double
rhymes which the structure of the language renders so common in German
poetry, but which become cloying to an English ear when constantly repeated;
and that English double common or short metre is used instead of what may be
called the German common metre, the same that we call Gay's stanza, to which
it approximates closely in the number of syllables, while its associations
in our minds are somewhat more solemn. In a few instances slight alterations
have been made in the metre, when, as is
xv
the case with some excellent hymns in our own language, it is hardly grave
and dignified enough for the poetry. These alterations are but slight, and
seemed justifiable, since these hymns have been translated, not so much as
specimens of German hymn-writing, as in the hope that these utterances of
German piety which have comforted and strengthened the hearts of many true
Christians in their native country, may speak to the hearts of some among
us, to help and cheer those who must strive and suffer, and to make us feel
afresh what a deep and true Communion of Saints exists among all the children
of God in different Churches and lands.

Alderley Edge,July 16th,1855

In the second edition a few corrections have been made
and additional verses given in some of the hymns: a few
among them are however still given in an abbreviated
form, where the omitted verses appeared to be
decidedly inferior in merit, or to contain no
new thought. I have also exchanged the
former version of "Ein feste Burg"
for one, as it seems to me, much
superior, which I owe to
the kindness of the
Rev. William
Gaskell.11The
electronic edition includes the original in an appendix.Nov.
30,
1855.